Exploring the Northern Lights with Sortland’s Small Group Chase by Car
If you’ve ever dreamed of catching the Aurora Borealis in Norway, this small group Northern Lights chase from Sortland offers a practical and intimate way to do it. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, reviews and details paint a clear picture of what to expect: a cozy, flexible, and guided adventure designed for those who want a genuine shot at seeing the lights without the hassle of large-tour crowds.
What stands out? First, the personalized approach—traveling in a heated vehicle with a small group of up to eight people means lots of room to move comfortably and ask questions. Second, the expert guidance, with a knowledgeable guide who shares local stories, offers photography help, and tailors the route based on weather conditions. The main consideration? The tour runs only for about three hours, so if you’re hoping for an extended experience, you might want to consider additional options or longer tours.
This tour is ideal for adventurers who value a personalized touch and want to maximize their chances of seeing the northern lights in good conditions. It’s not specifically tailored for families with young children under six, but it works well for solo travelers, couples, or small groups of friends who love nature and photography.
Key Points
- Flexible Route: The guide adjusts the route based on weather to improve your chances of seeing the aurora.
- Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 guests, offering intimacy and personalized attention.
- Guided Photos: Your guide takes photos of the aurora and sends them afterward—great for capturing memories.
- Comfort & Warmth: Travel in a heated vehicle with hot drinks provided, making the experience cozy even in cold weather.
- Educational & Local Stories: Learn about the aurora, local tales, and the region from your knowledgeable guide.
- Duration & Pickup: A 3-hour experience with pickup outside your accommodation, making it easy and hassle-free.
The Experience in Detail
When you sign up for this Northern Lights chase from Sortland, you’re signing up for more than just a bus ride—you’re joining a flexible, weather-dependent pursuit of one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. The tour lasts about three hours, which is enough time to get a good shot at the lights without feeling exhausted or rushed.
Transportation & Group Size: Traveling in a heated vehicle—most likely a Mercedes Vito or Sprinter—means staying warm and comfortable. The group is capped at 8 participants, which is a real plus for those who dislike large tour buses and want a more intimate experience.
Route & Flexibility: The guide will adjust the route nightly, sometimes staying near Vesterålen and other times heading inland into valleys. This flexibility is crucial because clear skies are the key to spotting the aurora, and weather in northern Norway can be unpredictable. This adaptive approach enhances your chances of witnessing the lights, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating in one particular area.
What You’ll Do: Throughout the ride, you’ll hear local stories and learn about the aurora from your guide. They’ll help with camera settings to ensure you get the best shots, and they’ll take photos of the aurora for you, which are then sent afterward. Evrard from France mentioned in his review that despite poor weather, he was able to see his first auroras thanks to the guide’s efforts and route choices, highlighting how committed the team is to providing a memorable experience.
Hot Drinks & Comfort: During the chase, hot drinks are available to keep everyone warm and comfortable—a small but significant touch that makes the experience more enjoyable, especially when waiting in the cold for the perfect lights.
Planning more time in Sortland? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Why This Tour Works Well
The main appeal here is the personalized, flexible approach. Instead of a fixed route or a long, bus-heavy tour, this small-group chase adapts each night based on the forecast. That means your chances of success are higher than with more rigid options. Plus, the guides’ local knowledge adds an educational element, making the experience richer than just waiting in the cold.
The photo service is another highlight. Knowing that your guide will take professional-looking photos, which they’ll send to you later, allows you to relax and focus on the moment without worrying about camera settings. Evrard’s review is a good example: despite less-than-ideal weather, he was able to enjoy the experience and get photos of the aurora, thanks to the route the guide chose.
Pricing & Value: While the cost isn’t specified here, considering the small group size, personalized service, and included photos, it’s a solid value for an experience that combines comfort, education, and the chance to see a fleeting natural phenomenon.
What Could Be Better?
The main limitation is the duration—at only three hours, this tour provides a snapshot but might not be enough if the lights are particularly elusive or if you’re an avid photographer wanting more time. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children under six, this may not be suitable, as the tour involves sitting still in a vehicle in cold weather.
Weather dependency is another factor; if the forecast is poor, the guide will do their best to find clear skies, but there’s no guarantee. That’s part of the adventure, and honestly, it’s typical of aurora-chasing tours.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for adventurers who prefer small groups and personalized attention. If you love the idea of a flexible route, learning about local stories, and having your photos professionally taken, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suited for those who want a cozy, guided experience without the hustle of larger tours or long waits outside in the cold.
While it might not be the best choice for families with very young children or travelers seeking a longer, more comprehensive aurora adventure, it’s an excellent option for couples, solo travelers, or small groups eager to chase the lights under expert guidance.
Sortland: Small Group Northern Lights Chase by Car
FAQ
What is the duration of this Northern Lights chase?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, making it a manageable and focused experience perfect for an evening outing.
Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be picked up outside your accommodation and transported in a heated vehicle. The exact vehicle is usually a Mercedes Vito or Sprinter.
What should I bring?
Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing and bring a camera if you want to capture the lights yourself. Hot drinks are provided during the tour.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.
How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 8 participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years, primarily because of the cold weather and the nature of the activity.
What if the weather is poor?
The route is flexible, and the guide will adjust based on weather conditions to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora. However, no guarantees can be made due to the unpredictable nature of weather.
Will I receive photos of the aurora?
Yes, your guide will take photos of the aurora and send them to you afterward, allowing you to enjoy high-quality images of the event.
To sum it up, this Sortland small group Northern Lights chase offers a practical, intimate way to try your luck at seeing Norway’s famous aurora borealis. Its flexible routing, warm vehicle, and guided storytelling make it a solid choice for those who want a relaxed yet engaging experience. Although the short duration and weather dependency are factors to consider, many travelers find that the personalized approach and the chance to learn about local stories and photography tips make it worth the investment. If you’re after a cozy, guided adventure that maximizes your chances of witnessing the lights, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.
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